New book describes 500 Civil War sites

More than 500 places — Union and Confederate, major and lesser-known — are described in the new book “Civil War Sites” (Globe Pequot Press. $17.95).

The listings are by region, and each includes a description, contact information, fees, visitor services and hours. Special events such as re-enactments are noted.

Enriching the book are commentary by historians and members of Congress, and photos of many sites as they look today.

The book was assembled by the Civil War Preservation Trust, a nonprofit group focused on historic preservation. Sites applied to be included. Only those with major significance and clear interpretation were accepted, according to Sarah Richards of the trust, based in Hagerstown, Md.

Discover Mauritius with vacation package

Searching for an unusual warm-weather destination? An 11-day Discover Mauritius vacation package begins at $2,150. Included is economy class airfare from New York, Boston or Washington, D.C., to the Indian Ocean island, seven nights of lodging, two days of sightseeing and most meals.

Price is per person, double occupancy, and is valid through July 11. Airport taxes and fees are additional. Low cost add-on air fares are available from U.S. cities. Information: (201) 767-7722 or (800) 537-1182.

Royal Caribbean fleet gets rock-climbing walls

The rock-climbing walls affixed to the smokestacks of Royal Caribbean International’s newest ships will be installed on the rest of the Royal Caribbean fleet by the end of this year, reports Travel Weekly magazine. The walls were an industry first when introduced in 1999.

The retrofit will start with the Monarch of the Seas in late May and is scheduled to be completed by November with the Legend of the Seas. Dan Hanrahan, Royal’s senior vice president of marketing and sales, said the rock-climbing walls, which are featured in the line’s ad campaign, have become a brand icon.